New Philadelphia News Across the Pastor’s Desk We continue to experience changes to our staff. Sunday, October 19 was the last day for Aaron Linville and his wife Amy to be present with us. He was ordained by Br. Bishop Sam Gray at Union Cross Moravian on Sunday, October 12, and he will be installed as Pastor of the Rural Hall congregation on Sunday, November 2, 2014. Keep Aaron and Amy in your prayers. We will miss them both. I am sad to report, too, that Daniel and Katie Muto are leaving us for Asheville, N.C. Daniel has been leading our Senior High Youth for more than a year, and doing a wonderful job, with much help from Katie! The Youth Committee is already hard at work on his replacement. We are delighted that we have c. 50 young people meeting with the Middle and Senior High groups, and information is being communicated to them, and to their parents, both in person, by Daniel and Ross (McNeil), and by email also by Daniel and Ross. Ross writes that, at the direction of the Youth Committee, he will be stepping into the Senior High job, and the Youth Committee is well along in its search for a new Middle High leader. I have heard several exciting possibilities. It is hard loosing Daniel, but I do believe this is going to be a great year for our youth.
short-term, part-time contract person. Joel has had a distinguished career as a pastor in the local church, and, most recently, has been an intentional interim for 2 ½ years at Frist Presbyterian in Boone, N.C. where we have at least three former New Philadelphia families in attendance. Joel is preaching at New Philadelphia the first Sunday in November. My contacts in the Boone Church tell me that we will both enjoy, and be challenged by his message. I know that I have been challenged by his presence in the office, and that is a good thing. Unlike most of you, I seldom get to worship outside of New Philadelphia---I am not complaining, just stating a fact, and it is to get a window into how other churches---like First Presbyterian in Boone are meeting the challenge of ministry today. By the by, I will be in that church leading a “Moravian Lovefeast” on the evening of December 7th, and I always look forward to that service. It is my hope that all these changes will not detract from our stability. I believe that God is doing a great work among us, and I believe the year ahead will reveal that in some remarkable ways. The Love of God the Father, the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, and the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with us all.
Meanwhile, as most of you know, Br. Joel M. Long, is working for us through the end of the year as a
Pastor Green
Join us for Lovefeast Services Wednesday, November 26 - Thanksgiving Eve @ 7PM Sunday, December 7 - Children’s Lovefeast & Candle Service @ 10AM Sunday, December 21 - Congregational Lovefeast & Candle Service @ 7PM Wednesday, December 24 - Christmas Eve Lovefeast & Candle Service @ 4:30PM & 8PM ** The band prelude begins 45 minutes prior to each service with the exception of the Children’s Lovefeast**